The MSU Extension (MSUE) District Coordinator is part of the MSUE Administrative Team. There are two positions currently open. One will support MSUE District 7, encompassing the west-central counties of the lower Peninsula of Michigan, including: Allegan, Barry, Kent and Ottawa. The other will support MSUE District 8, encompassing the lower, central counties of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, including: Clinton, Eaton, Gratiot, Ingham, Ionia and Montcalm. The role of the district coordinator is to: develop, maintain and coordinate relationships between MSU Extension and local community partners; provide oversight and mentoring to Extension educators housed in the district; assist educators in the development of appropriate community partners related to the educator’s statewide program focus; negotiate and procure resources and support from the community partners and employ entrepreneurial efforts to secure resources with other partners.

The counties located within District 7 are a diverse mix of shoreline, agricultural and developed land with a large urban concentration in the Grand Rapids and Holland metropolitan areas. Various types of manufacturing production, material moving, medical care and research, agricultural production, higher education and tourism are the predominant economic drivers of the area. While the office location of the District 7 Coordinator is negotiable, the Kent County MSU Extension office would provide a central location with easy driving access to all of the counties supported by this role.

The counties located within District 8 is a diverse mix of forest, inland lakes and agricultural lands. Agriculture, manufacturing, governmental services and education are the predominant economic drivers of the area, with the Michigan State University campus and the state capital located in Ingham County. While the office location of the District 8 Coordinator is negotiable, the Ionia County MSU Extension office would provide a central location within the district 8 counties supported by the District 8 Coordinator.

Characteristic Duties/Responsibilities

Develop, maintain and coordinate relationships between MSUE and local partners including, but not limited to: county commissioners, administrators and leaders; industry; human service agencies; agribusiness; youth-serving agencies; and state and federal government representatives;

Encourage and support educator staff in development of requests for special funding contracts and grants, and developing proposals that enhance Extension’s mission and programs;

Conduct monthly engagement meetings with staff at each county office;

Work in partnership as a shared leader with the appropriate MSUE Institute Director with regard to personnel matters, including the hiring process and performance reviews;

Act as a resource to project team leaders and MSUE Program Institute Directors as appropriate on programmatic issues;

Contribute to program planning, implementation and evaluation;

Provide guidance and support to staff in the implementation and compliance of MSU policies and procedures;

Work with all offices and staff in the district to assure compliance for Civil Rights, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, and the American with Disabilities Act in employment, program availability and participation, and facilities;

Actively engage in areas of philanthropy working in coordination with MSU Extension’s Director of Development.

Actively participate in professional development opportunities.

Required Degree

Masters

Minimum Requirements

Master’s degree;

Minimum 3-years of Extension system experience, including administrative responsibilities (extensive experience in similar high-level administrative role, including resource development and procurement, staff supervision and collaborative leadership may be considered in lieu of Extension system experience);

Experience with marketing/promotion of educational programs;

Outstanding oral and written communication skills, including the ability to listen effectively;

Demonstrated experience in building relationships with community partners, resource development and budget management;

Effective and demonstrated interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with community and political leaders as well as campus-based administrators, faculty and staff;

Proficiency in use of technology (e.g. web research, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.) for day-to-day work and educational program delivery, record keeping, reporting, team-based communications and overall management;

Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to diverse audiences/communities including but not limited to race, gender, socioeconomic class, disabilities and other differences;

Proven ability in establishing and working with a diverse network of constituents, community members and employees across race, gender, socioeconomic class, disabilities and other differences;

Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards;

Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.;

Ability to travel in local and surrounding communities and long-distance travel are required as a regular part of this position;

Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.

Required Application Materials

Candidates are asked to submit a current resume/CV, cover letter including the preferred position location, and four (4) professional references with email addresses.

Special Instructions

The initial appointment is for one year in the fixed-term academic appointment system. Following a satisfactory performance review, nine months into the appointment, a two-year extension will be provided at the end of the first year. Thereafter, the incumbent will be considered for additional three-year fixed term appointments, depending on performance.